BREAKING: Man United board finally bows to fan pressure, reversed their Erik ten Hag decision as NEW Manager is identified

Manchester United’s decision to grant Erik ten Hag only a one-year extension to his contract signals a lack of full confidence in their manager, according to talkSPORT pundit Jason Cundy. Cundy, who played for Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea before moving into broadcasting, has been outspoken about United’s disappointing start to the 2024/25 season under Ten Hag’s leadership.

Cundy believes that the Dutch coach’s position at Old Trafford is becoming increasingly precarious, and he has tipped club legend Ruud van Nistelrooy—now serving as Ten Hag’s assistant—as a likely candidate to take over should Ten Hag be dismissed.

Last season, United’s performance under Ten Hag was far from satisfactory. The team finished eighth in the Premier League, the club’s worst finish in the league’s history. However, Ten Hag did manage to secure an FA Cup victory against Manchester City, which earned him a one-year contract extension in July. This extension, while a recognition of his cup success, is seen by some as a minimal vote of confidence rather than a long-term commitment.

Despite spending over £150 million on five new signings in an effort to strengthen the squad, United’s rocky start to the season—marked by two losses in their first three Premier League matches, including a 3-0 defeat to arch-rivals Liverpool—has cast serious doubt on Ten Hag’s future at the club.

Cundy expressed his concerns that another loss, particularly in their upcoming match against Southampton, could spell the end for Ten Hag. According to a report in the *Mirror*, Cundy sees the board’s decision to offer only a one-year extension as a clear indication that they do not fully believe in the manager’s long-term vision. He also suggests that the presence of Van Nistelrooy, a beloved former player, as Ten Hag’s right-hand man is part of a backup plan in case things go further downhill.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Cundy commented, “Giving him just a one-year extension is not backing the manager. That’s basically saying, ‘We looked around for other options, didn’t find anyone better, so we’ll stick with what we have for now.’ It’s like they’ve settled for him because they don’t see anything better on the horizon.”

He added, “Ten Hag’s in a tough spot right now. The owners haven’t really backed him. When you give a manager a one-year extension, that’s one of the weakest ways to show support. Sure, they brought in some players he wanted, but that’s backing the project, not him. If they really believed in him, they’d give him a three-year deal and show real faith in his abilities.”

Cundy also pointed out that the situation feels predictable. “It’s obvious where this is heading,” he continued. “Ten Hag knows it, the players know it, Van Nistelrooy knows it, and so does Sir Jim Ratcliffe. It’s just a matter of time before the club makes a move, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Van Nistelrooy steps in as the next manager when that happens.”

In summary, while Ten Hag has been given a brief reprieve with a one-year extension, the cracks in his relationship with Manchester United’s hierarchy are clear. Cundy believes the club is preparing for life without him, and unless the team’s fortunes change quickly, his time at Old Trafford could soon be over.